Group Discussion

1. E-Learning: A substitute for Classroom
Learning?

2. The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in schools
and university closures all across the world. As
a result, globally, over 1.2 billion children in
186 countries are out of the physical classroom.
In India too, Schools and Colleges have been
closed for many months since March 2020. To
continue teaching-learning, Schools and
Colleges are offering lessons remotely on
digital platforms like Zoom, Google Meet.
Many online learning platforms like BYJU’S
and Vedantu (for school education) and
Coursera and Udacity (for higher education)
are offering free access to their services for
limited time. IIMs and other top B-schools have
started their new batch in online mode.

3. Size of Indian E-Learning Market
According to ‘Online Education in India: 2021’
report prepared by Google KPMG in 2017, by
2021, the online education industry in India
will see a growth of about X6 times. The
number of users enrolling in online education
were expected to touch 9.6 million users by
2021, from 1.6 million users in 2016. The
revenue of Indian Online Learning Industry
was estimated to be worth $1.96 billion. These
forecasts were made in 2017. With increase of
low-cost internet access and COVID 19, these
numbers would stand much more today!

4. Let’s see some recent facts.
 The COVID-19 has resulted in schools shut all across
the world. As a result, globally, over 1.2 billion
children in 186 countries are out of the physical
classroom.
 Today, education has changed dramatically with the
rise of e-learning where teaching is undertaken
remotely and on digital platforms like Zoom, Google
Meet.
 Many online learning platforms like BYJU’S and
Vedantu (for primary education) and Coursera and
Udacity (for higher education) are offering free access
to their services for limited time.
 New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 also puts emphasis
on Online Education to increase Gross Enrolment Ratio
(GER).
 Regulatory bodies like UGC and AICTE have given
more liberty to education institutions to offer classes
online to ensure that students are not disadvantaged.

5. Advantages & Disadvantages of
Online Learning in India
Anytime Anywhere Learning
Convenience: Students and Learners who attend
online learning can take up the class from
anywhere and anytime (if permitted) as per their
convenience. This opens up learning opportunities
to working professionals and other segments of
society.
 Low Cost: Online learning costs less as more
students can attend at the same time. Learners also
save a lot of time and money in travel.
 Increased Reach: Online learning can be accessed
with the help of a computer/ laptop and an
internet connection. In a county like India,
community internet services can make sure that
top quality Online Learning reaches to every small
town and village.

6.  Good learning outcomes: Research shows that
learning online can be as effective and sometimes
more effective in a number of ways. Some research
shows that on average, students retain 25-
60% more material when learning online
compared to only 8-10% in a classroom. This is
because students being able to learn faster online
as students can learn at their own pace, going back
and re-reading, skipping, or accelerating through
concepts as they like.
 Immediate Assessment: Online Learning uses
online quizzes and other tools to evaluate the
students. Both Teacher and Students can get
personalized assessment and feedback of learning
on a real time basis! This is a powerful advantage
of online learning.

7. DISADVANTAGES OF E-
LEARNING
No face to face interaction –A key disadvantage of
online learning is the lack of face to face
interaction. If courses are taught purely online,
there is a less possibility of building a good
relationship with the teacher and classmates. This
has negative impact in team-building and social-
skills.
 Demands higher motivation from
learners: Online learning requires a higher
intensity of self direction and motivation from
learners and there is limited social/peer pressure
or support. So students and learners who are more
disciplined and focussed on their learning
requirements will get good results, but not all.

8.  Limited Access to Internet & Devices in Lower
Income Households & Rural Area: 70% of India
lives in Villages and majority of our population
falls below middle class. Online Education creates
a ‘Digital Divide’ where rich have access to all and
poor are deprived of learning.
 Low teaching support: Although there are
frequent interactions between the student and the
instructor, the students may face the issue of two
way communication or face to face interaction. A
lack of communication can lead to low motivation
among some students who are struggling with
learning and need the help most.
 Health Issues: Online learning requires the use of
computers or other screens for many hours. It can
cause eye-strain, back-ache and several other
health effects on the learner. Since Online learning
lacks human touch, there can be issues of
depression and mental health

9. Your turn – Which side of the
argument are you
Based on above facts, you can prepare your
approach for this topic. You can decide that E-
Learning is actually a beneficial approach, and
give solid reasons of your views. Or you can be
on the other side of the argument. But
remember, be logical and put your points
politely to do well in a Group Discussions.